Baselworld 2010: Harry Winston Rare Timepieces
By Melvyn Teillol-Foo
Additional material in 2nd Edition by Don Corson
The first thing to note is the name change from Harry Winston Rare Timepieces to Harry Winston SA.
[Apologies - Camera Failure Alert; Press Photos were also used]
Harry Winston (HW) has had a tough time recently. After the halcyon days of the early Opus series, despite the non-appearance of Opus 3, they still had a positive report card. The ship lost a couple of captains through heavy seas. Then, we had a series of indulgent failures that did not make the grade as ‘great works’. Opus 7 was incomprehensible, Opus 8 was comedic, and Opus 9 was preposterous. The paradox of human nature is such that the adverse comments may have increased sales!
But the good news, dear PuristS, is that the Harry Winston Opus is back; a simple vision, well thought out, and executed expediently for delivery.
OPUS X – The Shape of Time
Created in collaboration with Jean-Francois Mojon, Opus X illustrates the shape of time, through an innovative movement. The whole time display is mounted on a rotating platform, but where the orientation of the dials remains intact. Based on a planetary gear train system, the unique movement is designed to tell time through continuous rotation and circular motions. It may be out of the ordinary but not incomprehensible.
The mechanical hand-wound movement features individual indicators for hours, minutes, and seconds each individually mounted on a rotating platform, along with a twenty-four hour second time zone indicated in the periphery. The three-day power reserve also functions as a planetary gear train. The rounded sapphire crystal is attached directly to the case without a bezel, allowing a full view of the dial. Opus X is a limited edition of 100 pieces.
The Watchmaker
Jean-François was introduced to the watch making trade through his father, who worked in the technical watch business. After earning his diploma in engineering and micro-technology in Le Locle, Mojon joined the industry working on R&D of movements and new complications for several brands, including Swatch Group and IWC. In 2005, he began his own company, Chronode SA, specializing in high complication movements, the company is based in Le Locle.
PROJECT Z6 – The Sound of Time
Project Z pieces are made with Zalium, a zirconium-based alloy. Project Z6 introduces a new complication to Harry Winston’s timepiece offering – a hand-wound, 24-hour alarm clock movement. Developed specifically for Z6 and exclusive to Harry Winston, the movement is engineered to optimize performance, with integrated function and complication.
Designed to be seen as well as heard, the alarm clock features a visible hammer fixed to the case to be seen during the ringing of the alarm. The ‘excentered’ dial features two overlapping disks displaying the primary time and the alarm clock, each with separate day and night indicators.
A limited edition of 300 pieces, Project Z6 is available with two dial options: 250 with anthracite dial available at authorized dealers and 50 with silver dial exclusive to Harry Winston salons.
Regular anthracite dial
Boutique silver dial
Harry Winston Avenue Squared A² Men
Conclusion:
We have some hope that Harry Winston is heading back onto the PuristS’ radar.
The Opus is back. This bodes watch-ing for a bit…..
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL BY DON CORSON
Now we are up to an anniversery, it is time for the Opus10.
This year the man behind the Opus is Jean-François Mojon the head of Chronode in Le Locle, one of the many companies working in the shadows on the conception and production of high-end watches.
The Opus10 is not the fall-over, WOW!! type watch, it works more on the poetic level, despite its big dimensions.
3 dials float and turn in a cluster like a rose branch with multiple flowers. Through a differential mechanism as they turn the dials still remain correctly oriented. The 3 dials are the hours, minutes and seconds. A second time zone is shown by a hand carried by the cluster showing a 24 hour scale, the cluster turning once a day.
To add to the peotic effect, the sub-dials are all at a small angle to the plane of the dial. (Imagine trying to assembly that and never slip with your screwdriver!!)
End the words, here the pictures.
Also new this year the Z6. This alarm watch has a very pleasant chime to wake you.
At the comment that I was missing any hint of Harry Winston's signature products I got to see these Lady Z watches. Note the subtle differences.
This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2010-04-21 21:09:38
This message has been edited by MTF on 2010-05-01 10:28:20